Hello. The Practical differs from the Mk III in that it (usually) comes with Pachmayr rubber stocks and an FN ring hammer. (Some have been seen NIB with the spur hammer.) As you noted, the frame is hard-chromed. On the fixed sight version, the front sight is a very sloped ramp (non-serrated) as compared to the semi-post front sight on the Mk III and the Standard. The internals are the same in all of the guns.

Best.

wingman

October 5, 2005, 08:01 AM

I believe the Practical is 3-4 ounces heavier.

Stephen A. Camp

October 5, 2005, 10:07 AM

Hello. In .40, the Practical would be a bit heavier due to the thicker slide if compared to a 9mm Hi Power. Otherwise, the pistols weight the same other than for whatever differences in weight their grips have.

The reason i notice this is I prefer heavier guns in 40cal. for target shooting,
I have not purchased a Practical yet but have admired them at gunshows
and they do feel good and fit my hand.!!!

Stephen A. Camp

October 5, 2005, 10:25 AM

Hello. I've got a friend who has the Practical in 9mm and really likes it. The FN ring hammers bite me more than the spur hammer, but he has no problems at all with hammer bite from either the ring or the spur hammer.

Best.

Bullet Bob

October 5, 2005, 09:17 PM

It's really just looks, but the Practical is my favorite HP. I like it, like it, yes I do (going to see the Stones Saturday).

http://www.fototime.com/EF031D7022D3A2C/standard.jpg

Marshall

October 5, 2005, 09:39 PM

From FN-USA website, a sign of things to come..........

FNH USA
HANDGUNS

HP-SA
This is the original John M. Browning Hi-Power – one of the greatest handgun designs ever. It's superior ergonomics and pointability, coupled with single-action operation, make it the choice of operators worldwide.

* 9mm model out of production
** Limited Quantities. Please call for current inventory.

Big Bummer!

FNH-USA (http://www.fnhusa.com/contents/hg_hpsa.htm)

Boss Spearman

October 5, 2005, 10:28 PM

I like it, like it, yes I do (going to see the Stones Saturday).

Lucky you! My all time favorite band. I have been lucky enough to see them 3 times in my lifetime.

Nice Hi Powers too, BTW (keeping in topic)

Gunsnrovers

October 5, 2005, 10:28 PM

Marshall, my understanding is that FN will stop selling the 9mm, but will continue to make them. Browning will continue to bring them to market.

I was never really sure why FN brought out their HP in the US. They drastically undercut Brownings prices on the same pistol. Someone in marketing goofed or forgot the class where you discussed protecting your distribution channels.

marklbucla

October 5, 2005, 11:32 PM

So the conclusion is that the only real differences are "cosmetic" and price?

So will the prices go up at CDNN now that FN is cutting their imports to the US?

nrmcolt

October 6, 2005, 09:59 AM

Ah, yes the Browning Hi Power, there's nothing like an original made in Belgium. Got a Mark III matte black right now tucked IWB as I'm typing this, it's 10:00pm, heavy rain is pouring outside, I'm all alone yet I know I've got good company tonight. ;)

BHPshooter

October 6, 2005, 10:04 AM

So the conclusion is that the only real differences are "cosmetic" and price?

It depends how you mean "cosmetic" -- The differences are only rollmarks, the fit and finish are identical.

So will the prices go up at CDNN now that FN is cutting their imports to the US?

I doubt it, but I assume that they can't have many left, and the ones that ARE left will probably sell like blueberry hotcakes.

Wes

rellascout

October 6, 2005, 04:54 PM

Finish is not the same on the FN. They have a matte finish where the orginal BHP was more of a gloss blue. If you notice the CDNN notes that it ia matte finish. I personally have not seen a BHP without the polished blue.

Stephen A. Camp

October 6, 2005, 05:00 PM

Hello. The current Mk III pistols with the bright blue (Standard version) are rarer in my neck of the woods than the matte-finished Mk III pistols. The slide on the Practical is the matte.

So far as I've been able to find out, FN has not ceased production of the Hi Power, but will not be selling it anymore in the US. Browning has that market fairly well sewn up as FN simply doesn't have the name recognition in this country that Browning does.

Best.

BHPshooter

October 6, 2005, 05:11 PM

Finish is not the same on the FN. They have a matte finish where the orginal BHP was more of a gloss blue. If you notice the CDNN notes that it ia matte finish. I personally have not seen a BHP without the polished blue.

Apologies, I meant that the finish is the same on "MkIII" models. I have MkIII that is a Browning, and one that is an FN. They are exactly the same finish.
They are also offered in Blued finish, but the finish will be the same between Browning and FN guns -- they are made in the same factory by the same people and machinery.

Wes

Marshall

October 6, 2005, 05:59 PM

Gunsnrovers,

Thanks for the clarification, I just figured it meant they were all going to be gone.

Well I guess now is the time to buy your FN MK-III & Standard versions before you have to pay $6-7 bills for the Brownings.

marklbucla

October 7, 2005, 12:05 AM

Yeah, I've been thinking about the FN Standard at CDNN for $399. Maybe this will be my excuse to go ahead.

Where can I get the MKIII style grips? Those are way sexier than the standard's.

Gunsnrovers

October 7, 2005, 12:39 AM

CDNN won't sell to the PRK so I couldn't get the $399 deal. I did find a dealer selling for $449 so I didn't do too bad. It makes a great partner for my hard chrome Browning.

Gunner Grips for HP's are in the works and will most likely be on both of these when they hit the market.

http://www.suckasstheatre.com/gunpics/hppair2.jpg

I'm really glad FN went to the nice roll mark versus the fugly import markings on the 1st ones they brought in.

Marshall

October 7, 2005, 08:20 AM

Gunsnrovers, are those the CDNN cocobolo stocks on the MK-III, if so, not bad for their price!

Gunsnrovers

October 7, 2005, 08:23 AM

Those are Spegel's. The pistol came with black plastic panels that looked the old traditional HP style.

They cracked on me a few months ago. Both pistols wear Navidrex now.

Marshall

October 7, 2005, 11:31 AM

OK, I thought maybe they were the coco-bolo's that CDNN sells separately. Anyone tried the CDNN stocks for the Hi-Powers, for $29.00 I wonder of the quality?